Salvation Is Not Mush and Rainbows

(Proverbs 1:24 KJV)  Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;

This verse talks about a God who reaches out to man.  Even in the days of the Old Testament He was offering salvation to those who would listen.  It also brings up the issue of free will.  In the TULIP view of salvation the “I” stands for irresistible grace.  That means that if God “called” (7121) you did not have the option of “refused” (3985).  How can a mere human refuse God?

Simple.  By saying “No.”

That is where the vast majority of people are.  That is why hell will be so full.  That is why the road is narrow leading to salvation.  It isn’t that God can’t make it wider but that it won’t need to be.  People say, “No.”  Can God force the issue?  Yes, He is God.  He can reach down, turn your will to mush and your disposition to rainbows and have you saying, “Yes, Sir!”  There have been times in history when He has done that, but the pattern is to speak, to call, to offer and let us respond.

So?  I think of it as a daily response of obedience.  I trust in grace and the blood of Christ.  At the same time I know my decision is vital.